Retailers Prepare for Labor Bill: Report

Retailers are gearing up for the reintroduction of a bill in 2010 that would make it easier for unions to organize, according to reports.

Dec 30, 2009

WASHINGTON — Retailers are gearing up for the reintroduction of a bill in 2010 that would make it easier for unions to organize, according to reports. The so-called “card check” bill failed to pass through Congress in 2009, but compromise legislation could come back on the table in 2010, BusinessWeek.com reported yesterday.

According to that report, some retailers, including Target Corp., have stepped up their communications efforts with employees concerning the legislation. The article stated that a compromise bill — supported by labor — could eliminate a provision from the original legislation that would allow unions to organize without a secret ballot, but would speed the election process by holding the election within “a week or two” after workers petition for a union. It would also call for binding arbitration if an agreement on a labor contract cannot be reached.

Food Marketing Institute and other trade groups have said they oppose such legislation.